480 killed in North Darfur in two weeks

Moatinoon - Agencies
The United Nations confirmed on Friday that more than 480 civilians were killed in North Darfur state in western Sudan over the past two weeks, denouncing the "horrific" number of deaths and widespread sexual violence.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said it had confirmed the deaths of at least 481 civilians in North Darfur since April 10, "although the actual number is likely to be much higher."

North Darfur has become a key battleground in the war that broke out on April 15, 2023, between the army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as "Hemedti."

The United Nations stated that "at least 210 civilians, including nine medical workers," were killed in the Zamzam camp for displaced persons between April 11 and 13.

The toll also included "at least 129 civilians" killed between Sunday and Thursday of this week in El Fasher, the Um Kadada area, and the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons.

The commission added that "dozens reportedly died from lack of food, water, and medical care" in detention facilities run by the Rapid Support Forces or "while walking for days in harsh conditions in an attempt to flee the violence."

The war in Sudan has killed tens of thousands and caused what aid agencies have described as the worlds largest displacement and hunger crisis.